The 6 cent fuel tax coming out of Washington has ruffled some feathers. Washington state Senator Marko Liias opposes the tax which is part of a $16 billion transportation proposal. Oregon drivers will most likely see a tax increase as many Oregon drivers receive fuel that comes from Washington.
Senator Liias is an author of the transportation package. He mentioned Gov. Brown during a radio interview saying that Kate Brown, who can’t run again due to term limits, “is losing relevance.” The Washington senator has since apologized for his disparaging comments.
The transportation package in question add funding to the existing mega-projects, such as the expansion of the 167/509 Gateway Project and I-5 between Everett and Marysville. It also boost funding to finish the widening of 405 and 167, and the 520 Bridge project.
The ferry system, which includes four new hybrid electric ferries and electrifying two existing boats, is in the package and slated to receive over a billion dollars. It also puts more than a billion dollars into active transportation projects for bikes and pedestrians. The Safe Routes to School program is also on the list along with $3 billion going into transit and $150 million set aside for high speed rail.
The tax will also be used to provide more dollars for Washington’s part in a new I-5 bridge over the Columbia River in Vancouver, and a new Highway 2 trestle to expand capacity between Snohomish and Everett. Lawmakers state that this package is a huge deal for putting people to work in good paying jobs.
